Will South Korea's Special Counsel Question Ex-Defence Minister Next Week in Martial Law Probe?
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Synopsis
Seoul is buzzing with anticipation as a special counsel team prepares to question former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun next week. This investigation delves into allegations surrounding a controversial martial law declaration. What will Kim reveal about his role? Stay tuned for insights into this unfolding political drama.
Key Takeaways
- Special counsel to question former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun next week.
- Investigation focuses on alleged roles in martial law declaration.
- Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min arrested for aiding martial law.
- Another probe into the cover-up of a Marine officer's death is ongoing.
- Controversy surrounding former Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup's departure from South Korea.
Seoul, Aug 6 (NationPress) A special counsel team is set to interrogate former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun next week concerning his purported involvement in the failed martial law incident, according to judicial sources revealed on Wednesday.
Special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk's team will visit a detention center in eastern Seoul around 2 p.m. on Monday to question him as a witness in the ongoing investigation related to the martial law declaration made by jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol late last year.
The investigation focuses on charges of insurrection and various other offenses linked to the martial law debacle.
Reports indicate that Cho's team intends to confront Kim regarding suspicions that he informed former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min about the impending martial law decree before Yoon made the announcement at a Cabinet meeting on December 3.
Last week, Lee was arrested for allegedly facilitating the imposition of martial law by directing police and fire services to disrupt utilities for media outlets critical of the government.
Kim was also detained in December due to his significant role in the martial law controversy, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In a related matter, another special counsel team examining the alleged cover-up surrounding the death of a Marine officer in 2023 is scheduled to visit the same detention facility on August 18 to question the former Defence Minister.
Earlier on Wednesday, Special Counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team conducted a raid on South Korea’s Foreign Ministry over allegations that former Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup was allowed to leave the country last year to evade an investigation into possible government interference in the military probe concerning the Marine's death.
The team is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding Lee's abrupt appointment as Ambassador to Australia on March 4 last year, during which he was under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for his alleged involvement in external interference in the marine death case. Despite being under a travel ban due to the CIO investigation, the Justice Ministry lifted the ban on March 7.
Lee swiftly departed for Australia but returned just 11 days later as controversy escalated over his sudden exit. Critics speculated that former President Yoon had attempted to facilitate Lee's overseas escape by appointing him as envoy to Australia.
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Point of View
It is essential to remain impartial in reporting on this developing story. The investigation into the martial law declaration raises significant questions about governance and accountability in South Korea. The outcomes of these inquiries could have profound implications for national stability and the rule of law.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the special counsel's investigation?
The special counsel is investigating allegations of insurrection and other offenses related to the controversial martial law declaration made by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
When is the questioning of Kim Yong-hyun scheduled?
Kim Yong-hyun is scheduled to be questioned by the special counsel team next Monday at around 2 p.m.
What charges are against Lee Sang-min?
Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min was arrested for allegedly aiding the martial law imposition by instructing police and fire agencies to disrupt utilities for critical media outlets.
What other investigations are ongoing?
In addition to the martial law investigation, another special counsel team is looking into the alleged cover-up of the death of a Marine officer in 2023.
What was the controversy surrounding Lee Jong-sup?
Former Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup faced scrutiny for being allowed to leave the country amid an investigation into suspected government interference in the military probe concerning the Marine's death.
